Application Deadlines

Applicants qualified for the Advanced Standing program may enter in Fall or Spring terms to complete the MSW program in 1 year.  To be admitted into the advanced standing MSW program at Eastern University, students must:

1. Degree: Have earned a BSW from a CSWE accredited school, an International Social Work degree recognized by CSWE’s International Social Work Degree Recognition and Evaluation Service, or one covered under a memorandum of understanding with international social work accreditors. Students must have completed the BSW no more than five years from the first day of beginning MSW classes. Students must have earned a 3.0 GPA or higher.  
2. Application: Fill out Eastern’s online application at eastern.edu/apply.
3. References: Submit 2 references using this form:
   • one from an individual who can attest to the student’s academic competence (former professor) to complete the MSW program.
   • another from a professional reference (either a former field instructor or one who has supervised the student’s work since graduation with the BSW).  
4. Essay: Potential students will complete and submit one essay with two parts for review by Social Work Faculty. See below for essay prompt and instructions. 
5. Resume: Applicants will submit a resume/curriculum vitae (CV). 
6. Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by Social Work faculty to assure their goals align with those of the program. 
7. Transcripts: Potential students will submit official transcripts from higher education (post-high school). The GRE is not required.  
   - How to Request a Transcript: View FAQs about requesting a transcript from your previous school(s).

Submission Instructions:

Email Option: Materials can emailed to admissions.file@eastern.edu 

Mailing Option: Mail your materials to:
Eastern University
Graduate and Online Undergraduate Admissions
1300 Eagle Rd.
St. Davids, PA 19087

To be admitted to the full-time or part-time, without advanced standing, students will need to: 

1. Degree: Have completed a bachelor’s degree at an accredited university with a GPA of at least 2.5.
2. Application: Fill out Eastern’s online application at eastern.edu/apply.
3. References: Submit 2 references using this form:
   - One attesting to ability to compete at the graduate level from an academic reference (former professor).
   - One from a supervisor attesting to the student’s competence and work habits (in an employment setting).  
4. Essay: Potential students will complete and submit one essay with two parts for review by Social Work Faculty. See below for essay prompt and instructions. 

5. Resume: Applicants will submit a resume/curriculum vitae (CV).  

6. Interview: Applicants will be interviewed by Social Work faculty to assure their goals align with those of the program. 

7. Transcript: Non BSW undergraduate transcript
 

Submission Instructions:

Email Option: Materials can emailed to admissions.file@eastern.edu 

Mailing Option: Mail your materials to:
Eastern University
Graduate and Online Undergraduate Admissions
1300 Eagle Rd.
St. Davids, PA 19087

Guidance for Essay

• The essay will be reviewed by Social Work Faculty.
• Please submit one essay, while following the directions for Part 1 and Part 2 below. 
• The essay should be in one document, with two sections. The word counts should be 500-750 words for each part. Please title each section:
  1. A Personal Statement
  2. A topic of personal passion related to the social work field (social justice).
      

Part 1: (500-750 words) : Personal Statement

Write a personal statement discussing how your personal, academic, volunteer and/or professional experiences have led you to the field of social work. Eastern University’s Department of Social Work seeks to promote social and economic justice in underrepresented and underserved communities, in keeping with Eastern University’s Christian distinctives. Please address how the qualities, characteristics, and life experiences that you bring:

• fit with Eastern’s mission;
• influence your decision to pursue the MSW;
• contribute to your short and long term career goals; and,
• prepare you for the field of social work.

Include in this part:

• what makes you an ideal candidate for graduate school; and,
• share what specifically has influenced your decisions to pursue an MSW at Eastern
   

Part 2: (500-750 words): A topic of personal passion related to the social work field (social justice) 

Describe a topic of personal passion that is relevant to the social work field. Showcase the quality of your academic writing in terms of organization and critical analysis; references from credible sources are expected (using APA style).

Please respond to the following prompts within Part 2 of the essay:

• What is your passion and how is it relevant to the social work field?
• What are the key issues involved in your topic?
• Why does this area of personal passion deserve public attention and resources?
• What relevant research supports your topic of personal passion (cite references)?
• Describe some concrete ways that social workers might address the topic.

Essay Submission Instructions

Email your essay to admissions.file@eastern.edu.